Driven by the need for inclusive economic transformation, Women Choice, an international organization championing sustainable initiatives for women, hosted a high-impact forum dubbed Driving Growth for Women-Led SMEs in Kenya. This initiative aimed at charting a path for economic inclusion through the empowerment of women entrepreneurs.
Themed Scaling Women-Led SMEs: Opportunities, Challenges & Strategic Growth, the inaugural forum, which took place at the prestigious Tamarind Brasserie, Karen, brought together 45 changemakers – women entrepreneurs, business leaders, and ecosystem enablers to deliberate and highlight pertinent issues that affect women-led enterprises leading to subdued growth.
Held against the backdrop of a challenging but dynamic SME landscape, with only 7% of women-owned micro, small and medium enterprises in Kenya having formal access to finance, the conversation unpacked barriers faced by women-led businesses, from limited access to capital to regulatory hurdles, and spotlighted alternative funding models like microfinance, grants, among others.
Nezha Aloui, CEO of Women Choice, reaffirmed the organization’s mission to accelerate women founders through strategic partnerships. “This forum is not a destination, it’s a blueprint for unlocking greatness. It’s evident that women-led SMEs are not ‘emerging’, they are an essential pillar to Kenya’s prosperity. Today’s conversation marks the beginning of a long-term action-driven agenda.”
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A recurring theme across the interactive panel discussion was the urgent need for intentional inclusion — not just in policy, but in partnerships, mentorship, and procurement opportunities. Panelists further emphasized the role of community networks and digital innovation in accelerating growth.
Susan Situma, director of Programs, Africa Enterprise Challenge Fund, reminded women entrepreneurs that not all funding is good funding and the need to invest in understanding their environment, join women-focused networks, and build businesses that attract the right kind of support. “You can’t scale what you haven’t structured. Research your sector, join aligned associations, and create visibility—because investors don’t just fund ideas; they fund systems they can trust.”
Underscoring the importance of decolonizing mindsets, women entrepreneurs were urged to embrace tech as an enabler, and start building businesses rooted in local insight and global relevance. “Before chasing funding, ask: what pain am I solving? What gain am I offering? Customers are your biggest funders—focus on value, feedback, and trust, not just donor terms,”said, Sheena Raikundalia, chief growth officer, Kuza One.
“Every business problem is a gateway to innovation. But growth without cybersecurity is a risk. Embrace zero-trust strategies, cloud tools, and compliance with global standards like GDPR,” said Martine Billmann, marketing manager, Middle East, Turkey and Africa, Genetec. “In a digital world, cybersecurity isn’t optional, it’s your business armor. Use secure, scalable platforms and train your teams. You can’t scale what you can’t protect.”
Protecting valuable data
Carolyne Tanui, Principal Corporate Communications Officer at the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner, and a former business editor, challenged women entrepreneurs to be consistent, visible, and compliant, noting that Governance isn’t just for big firms as every business, no matter the size, must protect its customers and data. “Your brand, both personal and corporate, is your reputation. Compliance with laws, especially around data protection, builds trust, and trust is the currency of long-term success.”
With women being the majority in MSMEs, contributing significantly towards job creation and Kenya’s GDP, the event outlined the need for collaborative efforts to support women-led businesses. “Every woman we empower through entrepreneurship contributes meaningfully to a stronger economy and community,” said Mareva Koulamallah, founder and CEO, Marevak Consulting. “The math is simple, the impact is exponential.”
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